Topological variations of the PDP ligand and its prospects in molybdenum(0) dearomatization agents

The compounds fac-(κ(3)-PDP)Mo(CO)(3) {1; PDP = 2-[[2-(1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)pyrrolidin-2-yl)pyrrolidin-1-yl]methyl]pyridine}, [(cis-β-PDP)Mo(NO)(CO)]PF(6) ([cis-β-3]PF(6)), [(cis-α-PDP)Mo(NO)(CO)]PF(6) ([cis-α-3]PF(6)), [(cis-α-PDP)Mo(NO)Br]PF(6) ([4]PF(6)), [(trans-PDP)Cu](BF(4))(2)·CH(3)CN ([5](BF(4))(2)·CH(3)CN), and [(trans-PDP)Cu](OSO(2)CF(3))(2) ([5](OSO(2)CF(3))(2)) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. These are the first reported complexes of PDP on metal centers other than iron(II). The observed configurations indicate a broader range of accessible PDP topologies than has been reported. The {(cis-α-PDP)Mo(NO)}(+) fragment is found to be less π-basic than the dearomatizing {Tp(MeIm)Mo(NO)} fragment [Tp = hydridotris(1-pyrazolyl)borato; MeIm = 1-methylimidazole].     

Multimetallic complexes of group 10 and 11 metals based on polydentate dithiocarbamate ligands

The ligands KS(2)CN(Bz)CH(2)CH(2)N(Bz)CS(2)K (K(2)L(1)), N(CH(2)CH(2)N(Me)CS(2)Na)(3) (Na(3)L(2)), and the new chelates {(CH(2)CH(2))NCS(2)Na}(3) (Na(3)L(3)) and {CH(2)CH(2)N(CS(2)Na)CH(2)CH(2)CH(2)NCS(2)Na}(2) (Na(4)L(4)), react with the gold(I) complexes [ClAu(PR(3))] (R = Me, Ph, Cy) and [ClAu(IDip)] to yield di-, tri-and tetragold compounds. Larger metal units can also be coordinated by the longer, flexible linker, K(2)L(1). Thus two equivalents of cis-[PtCl(2)(PEt(3))(2)] react with K(2)L(1) in the presence of NH(4)PF(6) to yield the bimetallic complex [L(1){Pt(PEt(3))(2)}(2)](PF(6))(2). The compounds [NiCl(2)(dppp)] and [MCl(2)(dppf)] (M = Ni, Pd, Pt; dppp = 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane, dppf = 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene) also yield the dications, [L(1){Ni(dppp)}(2)](2+) and [L(1){Ni(dppf)}(2)](2+) in an analogous fashion. In the same manner, reaction between [(L'(2))(AuCl)(2)] (L'(2) = dppm, dppf; dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane) and KS(2)CN(Bz)CH(2)CH(2)N(Bz)CS(2)K yield [L(1){Au(2)(L'(2))}(2)]. The molecular structures of [L(1){M(dppf)}(2)](PF(6))(2) (M = Ni, Pd) and [L(1){Au(PR(3))}(2)] (R = Me, Ph) are reported.     

Phosphaallyl complexes of Ru(II) derived from dicyclohexylvinylphosphine (DCVP)

The complexes [(eta5-RC5H4)Ru(CH3CN)3]PF6(R = H, CH3) react with DCVP (DCVP = Cy2PCH=CH2) at room temperature to produce the phosphaallyl complexes [(eta5-C5H5)Ru(eta1-DCVP)(eta3-DCVP)]PF6 and [(eta5-MeC5H4)Ru(eta1-DCVP)(eta3-DCVP)]PF6. Both compounds react with a variety of two-electron donor ligands displacing the coordinated vinyl moiety. In contrast, we failed to prepare the phosphaallyl complexes [(eta5-C5Me5)Ru(eta1-DCVP)(eta3-DCVP)]PF6, [(eta5-MeC5H4)Ru(CO)(eta3-DCVP)]PF6 and [(eta5-C5Me5)Ru(CO)(eta3-DPVP)]PF6(DPVP = Ph2PCH=CH2).The compounds [(eta5-MeC5H4)Ru(CO)(CH3CN)(DPVP)]PF6 and [(eta5-C5Me5)Ru(CO)(CH3CN)(DPVP)]PF6 react with DMPP (3,4-dimethyl-1-phenylphosphole) to undergo [4 + 2] Diels-Alder cycloaddition reactions at elevated temperature. Attempts at ruthenium catalyzed hydration of phenylacetylene produced neither acetophenone nor phenylacetaldehyde but rather dimers and trimers of phenylacetylene. The structures of the complexes described herein have been deduced from elemental analyses, infrared spectroscopy, 1H, 13C{1H}, 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy and in several cases by X-ray crystallography.     

Mononuclear and dinuclear palladium and nickel complexes of phosphinimine-based tridentate ligands

The tridentate bis-phosphinimine ligands O(1,2-C(6)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)1, HN(1,2-C(2)H(4)N=PR(3))(2) (R = Ph 2, iPr 3), MeN(1,2-C(2)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)4 and HN(1,2-C(6)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)5 were prepared. Employing these ligands, monometallic Pd and Ni complexes O(1,2-C(6)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)PdCl(2)6, RN(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PPh(3))(2)PdCl][Cl] (R = H 7, Me 8), [HN(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PiPr(3))(2)PdCl][Cl] 9, [MeN(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PPh(3))(2)PdCl][PF(6)] 10, [HN(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PPh(3))(2)NiCl(2)] 11, [HN(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PR(3))(2)NiCl][X] (X = Cl, R = iPr 12, X = PF(6), R = Ph 13, iPr 14), and [HN(1,2-C(6)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)Ni(MeCN)(2)][BF(4)]Cl 15 were prepared and characterized. While the ether-bis-phosphinimine ligand 1 acts in a bidentate fashion to Pd, the amine-bis-phosphinimine ligands 2-5 act in a tridentate fashion, yielding monometallic complexes of varying geometries. In contrast, initial reaction of the amine-bis-phosphinimine ligands with base followed by treatment with NiCl(2)(DME), afforded the amide-bridged bimetallic complexes N(1,2-CH(2)CH(2)N=PR(3))(2)Ni(2)Cl(3) (R = Ph 16, iPr 17) and N(1,2-C(6)H(4)N=PPh(3))(2)Ni(2)Cl(3)18. The precise nature of a number of these complexes were crystallographically characterized.     

Syntheses and Structural Characterization of Tetrahedral Four-Coordinate Gold(I) Complexes of 1,3,5-Triaza-7-phosphaadamantane. An Example of a Hydrogen-Bond-Directed Supramolecular Assembly

The synthesis and structural characterization of water-soluble four-coordinate gold(I) complexes containing monodentate phosphine ligands are described. The ligands used are 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (TPA) and its protonated and methylated derivatives, [HTPA]Cl and [MeTPA]I. Formation of the four-coordinate gold(I) species is favored by the small cone angle of the phosphine (102 degrees ) and its ability to form a hydrogen-bonded network between the nitrogen atoms of the ligand and solvent water molecules. The gold center in all four complexes has a nearly regular tetrahedral geometry with an average P-Au-P angle of 109.5 degrees. [(HTPA)(3)(TPA)Au](PF(6))(4).4H(2)O.CH(3)CN(1) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c (No. 14) with cell constants a = 20.719(3) ?, b = 15.606(2) ?, c = 17.854(2) ?, beta = 114.03(1) degrees, and Z = 4. Refinement of 4977 reflections and 650 parameters yields R = 0.0396 and R(w) = 0.0500. [(TPA)(4)Au]PF(6).1.5HCl.H(2)O (2), crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c (No. 15) with cell constants a = 33.036(7) ?, b = 11.212(2) ?, c = 31.503(5) ?, b = 137.58(1) degrees, and Z = 8. Refinement of 3835 reflections and 470 parameters yields R = 0.0351 and R(w) = 0.0403. [(TPA)(4)Au]Cl(4).6H(2)O (3) was characterized structurally in the cubic space group Fd&thremacr;m (No. 227) with cell constants a = b = c = 20.020(2) ? and Z = 8. Refinement of 290 reflections and 28 parameters yields R = 0.0624 and R(w) = 0.1291. [(MeTPA)(4)Au](PF(6))(5).2CH(3)CN (4) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c (No. 15) with cell constants a = 23.337(3) ?, b = 14.855(3) ?, c = 35.317(5) ?, b = 97.95(1) degrees, and Z = 8. Refinement of 7840 reflections and 621 parameters yields R = 0.0493 and R(w) = 0.0698.     

Synthesis and intramolecular and interionic structural characterization of half-sandwich (arene)ruthenium(II) derivatives of bis(pyrazolyl)alkanes

Arene ruthenium(II) complexes containing bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligands have been prepared by reacting the ligands L' (L' in general; specifically L(1) = H(2)C(pz)(2), L(2) = H(2)C(pz(Me2))(2), L(3) = H(2)C(pz(4Me))(2), L(4) = Me(2)C(pz)(2) and L(5) = Et(2)C(pz)(2) where pz = pyrazole) with [(arene)RuCl(mu-Cl)](2) dimers (arene = p-cymene or benzene). When the reaction was carried out in methanol solution, complexes of the type [(arene)Ru(L')Cl]Cl were obtained. When L(1), L(2), L(3), and L(5) ligands reacted with excess [(arene)RuCl(mu-Cl)](2), [(arene)Ru(L')Cl][(arene)RuCl(3)] species have been obtained, whereas by using the L(4) ligand under the same reaction conditions the unexpected [(p-cymene)Ru(pzH)(2)Cl]Cl complex was recovered. The reaction of 1 equiv of [(p-cymene)Ru(L')Cl]Cl and of [(p-cymene)Ru(pzH)(2)Cl]Cl with 1 equiv of AgX (X = O(3)SCF(3) or BF(4)) in methanol afforded the complexes [(p-cymene)Ru(L')Cl](O(3)SCF(3)) (L' = L(1) or L(2)) and [(p-cymene)Ru(pzH)(2)Cl]BF(4), respectively. [(p-cymene)Ru(L(1))(H(2)O)][PF(6)](2) formed when [(p-cymene)Ru(L(1))Cl]Cl reacts with an excess of AgPF(6). The solid-state structures of the three complexes, [(p-cymene)Ru{H(2)C(pz)(2)}Cl]Cl, [(p-cymene)Ru{H(2)Cpz(4Me))(2)}Cl]Cl, and [(p-cymene)Ru{H(2)C(pz)(2)}Cl](O(3)SCF(3)), were determined by X-ray crystallographic studies. The interionic structure of [(p-cymene)Ru(L(1))Cl](O(3)SCF(3)) and [(p-cymene)Ru(L')Cl][(p-cymene)RuCl(3)] (L' = L(1) or L(2)) was investigated through an integrated experimental approach based on NOE and pulsed field gradient spin-echo (PGSE) NMR experiments in CD(2)Cl(2) as a function of the concentration. PGSE NMR measurements indicate the predominance of ion pairs in solution. NOE measurements suggest that (O(3)SCF(3))(-) approaches the cation orienting itself toward the CH(2) moiety of the L(1) (H(2)C(pz)(2)) ligand as found in the solid state. Selected Ru species have been preliminarily investigated as catalysts toward styrene oxidation by dihydrogen peroxide, [(p-cymene)Ru(L(1))(H(2)O)][PF(6)](2) being the most active species.     

Binuclear (salen)osmium phosphinidine and phosphiniminato complexes

The preparation of a number of binuclear (salen)osmium phosphinidine and phosphiniminato complexes using various strategies are described. Treatment of [Os(VI)(N)(L(1))(sol)](X) (sol = H(2)O or MeOH) with PPh(3) affords an osmium(IV) phosphinidine complex [Os(IV){N(H)PPh(3)}(L(1))(OMe)](X) (X = PF(6)1a, ClO(4)1b). If the reaction is carried out in CH(2)Cl(2) in the presence of excess pyrazine the osmium(III) phosphinidine species [Os(III){N(H)PPh(3)}(L(1))(pz)](PF(6)) 2 can be generated. On the other hand, if the reaction is carried out in CH(2)Cl(2) in the presence of a small amount of H(2)O, a μ-oxo osmium(IV) phosphinidine complex is obtained, [(L(1)){PPh(3)N(H)}Os(IV)-O-Os(IV){N(H)PPh(3)}(L(1))](PF(6))(2)3. Furthermore, if the reaction of [Os(VI)(N)(L(1))(OH(2))]PF(6) with PPh(3) is done in the presence of 2, the μ-pyrazine species, [(L(1)){PPh(3)N(H)}Os(III)-pz-Os(III){N(H)PPh(3)}(L(1))](PF(6))(2)4 can be isolated. Novel binuclear osmium(IV) complexes can be prepared by the use of a diphosphine ligand to attack two Os(VI)≡N. Reaction of [Os(VI)(N)(L(1))(OH(2))](PF(6)) with PPh(2)-C≡C-PPh(2) or PPh(2)-(CH(2))(3)-PPh(2) in MeOH affords the binuclear complexes [(MeO)(L(1))Os(IV){N(H)PPh(2)-R-PPh(2)N(H)}Os(IV)(L(1))(OMe)](PF(6))(2) (R = C≡C 5, (CH(2))(3)6). Reaction of [Os(VI)(N)(L(2))Cl] with PPh(2)FcPPh(2) generates a novel trimetallic complex, [Cl(L(2))Os(IV){NPPh(2)-Fc-PPh(2)N}Os(IV)(L(2))Cl] 7. The structures of 1b, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 have been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis and properties of gold alkene complexes. Crystal structure of [Au(bipy(oXyl))(eta(2)-CH(2)=CHPh)](PF(6)) and DFT calculations on the model cation [Au(bipy)(eta(2)-CH(2)=CH(2))](+)

Unprecedented 16-electron gold(i) olefin complexes of general formula [Au(bipy(R,R'))(eta(2)-olefin)](PF(6)) and [Au(2)(bipy(R,R'))(2)(mu-eta(2):eta(2)-diolefin)](PF(6))(2) (bipy(R,R') = 6-substituted-2,2'-bipyridine) have been prepared by reaction of dinuclear gold(III) oxo complexes [Au(2)(bipy(R,R'))(2)(mu-O)(2)](PF(6))(2) with the appropriate olefin. The X-ray crystal structures of two mononuclear complexes (olefin = styrene) show in-plane coordination of the olefin and a C[double bond, length as m-dash]C bond distance considerably lengthened with respect to the free olefin. The spectroscopic properties of the complexes are discussed and compared with those of analogous d(10) metal derivatives. Both structural and spectroscopic information indicate a substantial contribution of pi-back-donation to the Au-olefin bond in the three-coordinate species. Theoretical calculations carried out at the hybrid-DFT level on the model compound [Au(bipy)(eta(2)-CH(2)[double bond, length as m-dash]CH(2))](+) show excellent agreement with the experimental findings giving in addition an estimate of a pi-back-bonding contribution higher than that of the sigma-bonding.     

Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of [Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3(NO2)]PF6, a synthon for [Ru(bpy)(L3)NO2] complexes

We report a high yield, two-step synthesis of fac-[Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3NO2]PF6 from the known complex [(p-cym)Ru(bpy)Cl]PF6 (p-cym = eta(6)-p-cymene). [(p-cym)Ru(bpy)NO2]PF6 is prepared by reacting [(p-cymene)Ru(bpy)Cl]PF6 with AgNO3/KNO2 or AgNO2. The 15NO2 analogue is prepared using K15NO2. Displacement of p-cymene from [(p-cym)Ru(bpy)NO2]PF6 by acetonitrile gives [Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3NO2]PF6. The new complexes [(p-cym)Ru(bpy)NO2]PF6 and fac-[Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3NO2]PF6 have been fully characterized by 1H and 15N NMR, IR, elemental analysis, and single-crystal structure determination. Reaction of [Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3NO2]PF6 with the appropriate ligands gives the new complexes [Ru(bpy)(Tp)NO2] (Tp = HB(pz)3-, pz = 1-pyrazolyl), [Ru(bpy)(Tpm)NO2]PF6 (Tpm = HC(pz)3), and the previously prepared [Ru(bpy)(trpy)NO2]PF6 (trpy = 2,2',6',2' '-terpyridine). Reaction of the nitro complexes with HPF6 gives the new nitrosyl complexes [Ru(bpy)TpNO][PF6]2 and [Ru(bpy)(Tpm)NO][PF6]3. All complexes were prepared with 15N-labeled nitro or nitrosyl groups. The nitro and nitrosyl complexes were characterized by 1H and 15N NMR and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and single-crystal structure determination for [Ru(bpy)TpNO][PF6]2. For the nitro complexes, a linear correlation is observed between the nitro 15N NMR chemical shift and 1/nu(asym), where nu(asym) is the asymmetric stretching frequency of the nitro group.     

Ni(II) complexes featuring non-metallated pincer-type ligands

Attempts to prepare pincer-type Ni complexes from the ligands (i-Pr(2)POCH(2))(2)CH(2) and (pz*CH(2))(2)CH(2) (pz* = 3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl) gave instead the complexes cis-{kappa(P),kappa(P')-(i-Pr(2)POCH(2))(2)CH(2)}NiCl(2) and {kappa(N),kappa(N')-(pz*CH(2))(2)CH(2)}NiBr(2). X-Ray diffraction studies confirmed that these potentially pincer-type ligands have not undergone metallation, serving instead as chelating ligands in essentially square-planar or tetrahedral complexes. Heating of these compounds failed to induce metallation of the coordinated ligands.     

Cytotoxic gold compounds: synthesis, biological characterization and investigation of their inhibition properties of the zinc finger protein PARP-1

The new gold(III) complexes: [Au{2-(2'-pyridyl)imidazolate}Cl(2)] and [Au{2,6-bis(2'-benzimidazolate)pyridine}(OCOCH(3))] and the mono- and binuclear gold(I) complexes: [Au{2-(2'-pyridyl)imidazole}(PPh(3))](PF(6)), [Au(2-phenylimidazolate)(DAPTA)] (DAPTA = 3,7-diacetyl-1,3,7-triaza-5-phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane), [(PPh(3)Au)(2)(2-R-imidazolate)](PF(6)) (R = 2-C(5)H(4)N, Ph) have been synthesized and characterized. The structure of the [(PPh(3)Au)(2){2-(2'-pyridyl)imidazolate)](PF(6)) complex was also characterized by X-ray crystallography. The antiproliferative properties of the complexes were assayed against human ovarian carcinoma cell lines, either sensitive (A2780) or resistant to cisplatin (A2780cisR), human mammary carcinoma cells (MCF7) and non-tumorigenic human kidney (HEK293) cells. Most of the studied compounds showed important cytotoxic effects. Interestingly, the compounds containing the 2-(2'-pyridyl)imidazolate ligand showed selectivity towards cancer cells with respect to the non-tumorigenic ones, with the dinuclear compound [(PPh(3)Au)(2){2-(2'-pyridyl)imidazolate)](PF(6)) being the most active. Some compounds were also screened for their inhibitory effect of the zinc-finger protein PARP-1, essential for DNA repair and relevant to the mechanisms of cancer cell resistance to cisplatin. Interaction studies of the compounds with the model protein ubiquitin were undertaken by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS). The results are discussed in relation to the putative mechanisms of action of the cytotoxic gold compounds.     

Stable diplatinum complexes with functional thiolato bridges from dialkylation of [Pt2(mu-S)2(P-P)2] [P-P=2 x PPh3, Ph2P(CH2)3PPh2

The normally robust monoalkylated complexes [Pt(2)(mu-S)(mu-SR)(PPh(3))(4)](+) can be activated towards further alkylation. Dialkylated complexes [Pt(2)(mu-SR)(2)(P-P)(2)](2+) (P-P=2 x PPh(3), Ph(2)P(CH(2))(3)PPh(2)) can be stabilized and isolated by the use of electron-rich and aromatic halogenated substituents R [e.g. 3-(2-bromoethyl)indole and 2-bromo-4'-phenylacetophenone] and 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane [Ph(2)P(CH(2))(3)PPh(2) or dppp] which enhances the nucleophilicity of the {Pt(2)(mu-S)(2)} core. This strategy led to the activation of [Pt(2)(mu-S)(mu-SR)(PPh(3))(4)](+) towards R-X as well as isolation and crystallographic elucidation of [Pt(2)(mu-SC(10)H(10)N)(2)(PPh(3))(4)](PF(6))(2) (2a), [Pt(2)(mu-SCH(2)C(O)C(6)H(4)C(6)H(5))(2)(PPh(3))(4)](PF(6))(2) (2b), and a range of functionalized-thiolato bridged complexes such as [Pt(2)(mu-SR)(2)(dppp)(2)](PF(6))(2) [R= -CH(2)C(6)H(5) (8a), -CH(2)CHCH(2) (8b) and -CH(2)CN (8c)]. The stepwise alkylation process is conveniently monitored by Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry, allowing for a direct qualitative comparison of the nucleophilicity of [Pt(2)(mu-S)(2)(P-P)(2)], thereby guiding the bench-top synthesis of some products observed spectroscopically.     

Group 11 complexes containing the [C5(CN)5]- ligand; 'coordination-analogues' of molecular organometallic systems

The reactions of Na[C(5)(CN)(5)] (Na[1]) with group 11 phosphine complexes [(P)(n)MCl] (M = Cu, Ag, Au, P = Ph(3)P; M = Cu, P = dppe (Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2))] give a range of compounds containing the pentacyanocyclopentadienide ligand, [C(5)(CN)(5)](-) (1). The new complexes [(Ph(3)P)(2)M{1}](2) [M = Cu (3); M = Ag (5)], [(Ph(3)P)(3)Ag{1}] (4), [(dppe)(3)Cu(2){1}(2)] (6) and [Au(PPh(3))(2)][1] (7) include the first complete series of group 11 complexes of any cyclopentadienide ligand to be structurally characterised.     

Rhodium(I) and Rhodium(III) complexes containing the chiral ligand 2,6-bis[4'(S)-isopropyloxazolin-2'-yl]pyridine (pybox): an unprecedented monohapto coordination of pybox

The complex [Rh(kappa(3)-N,N,N-pybox)(CO)][PF(6)] (1) has been prepared by reaction of the precursor [Rh(mu-Cl)(eta(2)-C(2)H(4))(2)](2), 2,6-bis[4'(S)-isopropyloxazolin-2'-yl]pyridine (pybox), CO, and NaPF(6). Complex 1 reacts with monodentate phosphines to give the complexes [Rh(kappa(1)-N-pybox)(CO)(PR(3))(2)][PF(6)] (R(3) = MePh(2) (2), Me(2)Ph (3), (C(3)H(5))Ph(2) (4)), which show a previously unseen monodentate coordination of pybox. Complex 1 undergoes oxidative addition reactions with iodine and CH(3)I leading to the complexes [RhI(R)(kappa(3)-N,N,N-pybox)(CO)][PF(6)] (R = I (5); R = CH(3) (6)). Furthermore, a new allenyl Rh(III)-pybox complex of formula [Rh(CH=C=CH(2))Cl(2)(kappa(3)-N,N,N-pybox)] (7) has been synthesized by a one-pot reaction from [Rh(mu-Cl)(eta(2)-C(2)H(4))(2)](2), pybox, and an equimolar amount of propargyl chloride.     

Tuning the coordination geometry of silver in bis(pyrazolyl)alkane complexes

Silver(I) complexes of the bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligands Ph(2)C(pz)(2), PhCH(pz)(2), and PhCH(2)CH(pz)(2) (pz = pyrazolyl ring) have been prepared in an attempt to explore how sterically hindered poly(pyrazolyl)methane ligands influence the variable coordination geometries exhibited by silver(I) complexes, especially its ability to participate in cation...pi interactions. The complex (Ag[(pz)(2)CPh(2)](2))(PF(6)).C(3)H(6)O adopts an unusual square planar coordination environment as indicated by the sum of the four N-Ag-N angles being 360 degrees. The proximity of phenyl groups above and below the AgN(4) core enforces the unusual coordination geometry about the metal center. This arrangement is not a result of silver(I)...pi arene interactions but rather of the constraints imposed by the steric crowding caused by (aryl)(2)C(pz)(2) ligands. In contrast, the complexes of the other two ligands, (Ag[(pz)(2)CHPh](2))(PF(6)).0.5CH(2)Cl(2) and (Ag[(pz)(2)CH(CH(2)Ph)](2))(PF(6)).CH(2)Cl(2), show normal tetrahedral geometry about the silver(I), also with no indication of silver(I)...pi arene interactions. All three new complexes have extended supramolecular structures supported by a combination of CH...pi and CH...F interactions.     

Preparation of new monoanionic "scorpionate" ligands: synthesis and structural characterization of titanium(IV) complexes bearing this class of ligand

The preparation of new "scorpionate" ligands in the form of the lithium derivatives [(Li(bdmpzdta)(H(2)O))(4)] (1) [bdmpzdta = bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)dithioacetate], [Li(bdphpza)(H(2)O)(THF)] (2) [bdphpza = bis(3,5-diphenylpyrazol-1-yl)acetate], and [Li(bdphpzdta)(H(2)O)(THF)] (3) [bdphpzdta = bis(3,5-diphenylpyrazol-1-yl)dithioacetate] has been carried out. Furthermore, a series of titanium complexes has been prepared by reaction of TiCl(4)(THF)(2) with the lithium reagents [(Li(bdmpza)(H(2)O))(4)] (4) [bdmpza = bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetate] and 1. Under the appropriate experimental conditions neutral complexes, namely [TiCl(3)(kappa(3)-bdmpza)] (5), [TiCl(3)(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta)] (6), and [TiCl(2)(kappa(2)-bdmpzdta)(2)] (7), and cationic complexes, namely [TiCl(2)(THF)(kappa(3)-bdmpza)]Cl (8) and [TiCl(2)(THF)(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta)]Cl (9), were isolated. Complexes 8 and 9 undergo an interesting nucleophilic THF ring-opening reaction to give the corresponding alkoxide-containing species [TiCl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpza)(O(CH(2))(4)Cl)] (10) and [TiCl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta)(O(CH(2))(4)Cl)] (11). A family of alkoxide-containing complexes of general formulas [TiCl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpza)(OR)] [R = Me (12); R = Et (14); R = (i)Pr (16); R = (t)Bu (18)] and [TiCl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta)(OR)] [R = Me (13); R = Et (15); R = (i)Pr (17)] was also prepared. The structures of these complexes have been determined by spectroscopic methods, and in addition, the X-ray crystal structures of 3, 7, 10, and 11 were also established.     

Self-assembly of electroactive thiacrown ruthenium(II) complexes into hydrogen-bonded chain and tape networks

A family of coordination complexes has been synthesized, each comprising a ruthenium(II) center ligated by a thiacrown macrocycle, [9]aneS(3), [12]aneS(4), or [14]aneS(4), and a pair of cis-coordinated ligands, niotinamide (nic), isonicotinamide (isonic), or p-cyanobenzamide (cbza), that provide the complexes with peripherally situated amide groups capable of hydrogen bond formation. The complexes [Ru([9]aneS(3))(nic)(2)Cl]PF(6), 1(PF(6)); [Ru([9]aneS(3)) (isonic)(2)Cl]PF(6), 2(PF(6)); [Ru([12]aneS(4))(nic)(2)](PF(6))(2), 3(PF(6))(2); [Ru([12]aneS(4))(isonic)(2)](PF(6))(2), 4(PF(6))(2); [Ru([12]aneS(4)) (cbza)(2)](PF(6))(2), 5(PF(6))(2); [Ru([14]aneS(4))(nic)(2)](PF(6))(2), 6(PF(6))(2); [Ru([14]aneS(4))(isonic)(2)](PF(6))(2), 7(PF(6))(2); and [Ru([14]aneS(4))(cbza)(2)](PF(6))(2), 8(PF(6))(2) have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. UV/visible spectroscopy shows that each complex exhibits an intense high-energy band (230-255 nm) assigned to a pi-pi* transition and a lower energy band (297-355 nm) assigned to metal-to-ligand charge-transfer transitions. Electrochemical studies indicate good reversibility for the oxidations of complexes with nic and isonic ligands (|I(a)/I(c)| = 1; DeltaEp < 100 mV), In contrast, complexes 5 and 8, which incorporate cbza ligands, display oxidations that are not fully electrochemically reversible (|I(a)/I(c)| = 1, DeltaEp > or = 100 mV). Metal-based oxidation couples between 1.32 and 1.93 V versus Ag/AgCl can be rationalized in term of the acceptor capabilities of the thiacrown ligands and the amide-bearing ligands, as well as the pi-donor capacity of the chloride ligands in compounds 1 and 2. The potential to use these electroactive metal complexes as building blocks for hydrogen-bonded crystalline materials has been explored. Crystal structures of compounds 1(PF(6)).H(2)O, 1(BF(4)).2H(2)O, 2(PF(6)), 3(PF(6))(2), 6(PF(6))(2)CH(3)NO(2), and 8(PF(6))(2) are reported. Four of the six form amide-amide N-H...O hydrogen bonds leading to networks constructed from amide C(4) chains or tapes containing R(2)(2) (8) hydrogen-bonded rings. The other two, 2(PF(6)) and 8(PF(6)), form networks linked through amide-anion N-H...F hydrogen bonds. The role of counterions and solvent in interrupting or augmenting direct amide-amide network propagation is explored, and the systematic relationship between the hydrogen-bonded networks formed across the series of structures is presented, showing the relationship between chain and tape arrangements and the progression from 1D to 2D networks. The scope for future systematic development of electroactive tectons into network materials is discussed.     

(Fluoren-9-ylidene)methanedithiolato complexes of gold: synthesis, luminescence, and charge-transfer adducts

Piperidinium 9H-fluorene-9-carbodithioate and its 2,7-di-tert-butyl-substituted analogue [(pipH)(S(2)CCH(C(12)H(6)R(2)-2,7)), R = H (1a), t-Bu (1b)] and 2,7-bis(octyloxy)-9H-fluorene-9-carbodithioic acid [HS(2)CCH(C(12)H(6)(OC(8)H(17))(2)-2,7), 2] and its tautomer [2,7-bis(octyloxy)fluoren-9-ylidene]methanedithiol [(HS)(2)C=C(C(12)H(6)(OC(8)H(17))(2)-2,7), 3] were employed for the preparation of gold complexes with the (fluoren-9-ylidene)methanedithiolato ligand and its substituted analogues. The gold(I) compounds Q(2)[Au(2)(mu-kappa(2)-S,S-S(2)C=C(C(12)H(6)R(2)-2,7))(2)], where Q(+) = PPN(+) or Pr(4)N(+) for R = H (Q(2)4a) or Q(+) = Pr(4)N(+) for R = OC(8)H(17) [(Pr(4)N)(2)4c], were synthesized by reacting Q[AuCl(2)] with 1a or 2 (1:1) and excess piperidine or diethylamine. Complexes of the type [(Au(PR'3))(2)(mu-kappa(2)-S,S-S(2)C=C(C(12)H(6)R(2)-2,7))(2)] with R = H and R' = Me (5a), Et (5b), Ph (5c), and Cy (5d) or R = t-Bu and R' = Me (5e), Et (5f), Ph (5g), and Cy (5h) were obtained by reacting [AuCl(PR'(3))] with 1a,b (1:2) and piperidine. The reactions of 1a,b or 2 with Q[AuCl(4)] (2:1) and piperidine or diethylamine gave Q[Au(kappa(2)-S,S-S(2)C=C(C(12)H(6)R(2)-2,7))(2)] with Q(+) = PPN(+) for R = H [(PPN)6a], Q(+) = PPN(+) or Bu(4)N(+) for R = t-Bu (Q6b), and Q(+) = Bu(4)N(+) for R = OC(8)H(17) [(Bu(4)N)6c]. Complexes Q6a-c reacted with excess triflic acid to give [Au(kappa(2)-S,S-S(2)C=C(C(12)H(6)R(2)-2,7))(kappa(2)-S,S-S(2)CCH(C(12)H(6)R(2)-2,7))] [R = H (7a), t-Bu (7b), OC(8)H(17) (7c)]. By reaction of (Bu(4)N)6b with PhICl(2) (1:1) the complex Bu(4)N[AuCl(2)(kappa(2)-S,S-S(2)C=C(C(12)H(6)(t-Bu)(2)-2,7))] [(Bu(4)N)8b] was obtained. The dithioato complexes [Au(SC(S)CH(C(12)H(8)))(PCy(3))] (9) and [Au(n)(S(2)CCH(C(12)H(8)))(n)] (10) were obtained from the reactions of 1a with [AuCl(PCy(3))] or [AuCl(SMe(2))], respectively (1:1), in the absence of a base. Charge-transfer adducts of general composition Q[Au(kappa(2)-S,S-S(2)C=C(C(12)H(6)R(2)-2,7))(2)].1.5TCNQ.xCH(2)Cl(2) [Q(+) = PPN(+), R = H, x = 0 (11a); Q(+) = PPN(+), R = t-Bu, x = 2 (11b); Q(+) = Bu(4)N(+), R = OC(8)H(17), x = 0 (11c)] were obtained from Q6a-c and TCNQ (1:2). The crystal structures of 5c.THF, 5e.(2)/(3)CH(2)Cl(2), 5g.CH(2)Cl(2), (PPN)6a.2Me(2)CO, and 11b were solved by X-ray diffraction studies. All the gold(I) complexes here described are photoluminescent at 77 K, and their emissions can be generally ascribed to LMMCT (Q(2)4a,c, 5a-h, 10) or LMCT (9) excited states.     

Tuning the redox potentials of dinuclear tungsten oxo complexes [(Cp*W(4,4'-R,R-2,2'-bpy)(mu-O))2][PF6]2 toward photochemical water splitting

A series of novel dinuclear tungsten(IV) oxo complexes with disubstituted 4,4'-R,R-2,2'-bipyridyl (R(2)bpy) ligands of the type [(Cp*W(R(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)][PF(6)](2) (R=NMe(2), tBu, Me, H, Cl) was prepared by hydrolysis of the tungsten(IV) trichloro complexes [Cp*W(R(2)bpy)Cl(3)]. Cyclic voltammetry measurements for the tungsten(IV) oxo compounds provided evidence for one reversible oxidation and two reversible reductions leading to the oxidation states W(V)W(IV), W(IV)W(III) and W(III)W(III). The corresponding complexes [(Cp*W(R(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)](n+) [PF(6)](n) (n=0 for R=Me, tBu, and 1, 3 for both R=Me) could be isolated after chemical oxidation/reduction of the tungsten(IV) oxo complexes. The crystal structures of the complexes [(Cp*W(R(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)][BPh(4)](2) (R=NMe(2), tBu) and [(Cp*W(Me(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)](n+)[PF(6)](n) (n=0, 1, 2, 3) show a cis geometry with a puckered W(2)O(2) four-membered ring for all compounds except [(Cp*W(Me(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)] which displays a trans geometry with a planar W(2)O(2) ring. Examining the interaction of these novel tungsten oxo complexes with protons, we were able to show that the W(IV)W(IV) complexes [(Cp*W(R(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)][PF(6) (-)](2) (R=NMe(2), tBu) undergo reversible protonation, while the W(III)W(III) complexes [(Cp*W(R(2)bpy)(mu-O))(2)] transfer two electrons forming the W(IV)W(IV) complex and molecular hydrogen.     

Dinickel(II) complexes: preparation and catalytic activity

Ligands (L(a-c)) based on 2,7-bis(3,5-di-R-pyrazol-1-yl)-1,8-naphthyridine (a, R = H; b, R = CH(3); c, R = Ph) were prepared for the construction of a series of dinickel complexes. Treatment of L(x) with NiCl(2) in an anhydrous methanol/THF solution resulted in the formation of dinuclear complexes [(L(x))(μ-Cl)(2)Ni(2)Cl(2)(CH(3)OH)(2)] (3, x = a; 4, x = b; 5, x = c). These new complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopic techniques. The structures of complexes 3 and 4 were further confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies. Interestingly, crystals of 4 were obtained as a co-crystallization of 4 and the methanol substituted species [{(L(b))(μ-Cl)(2)Ni(2)Cl(CH(3)OH)(3)}Cl] (4'). These dinickel complexes have been tested in the catalytic homo-coupling of terminal alkynes with the use O(2) as the oxidant, showing excellent activities. A clear improvement on the catalytic activity of these complexes is observed as compared to the mono-nuclear species.